ASSATEAGUE ISLAND STATE PARK,  BERLIN MD.         JUNE 13-15

Elliott took off Monday morning for a 3 day golf excursion with her friends from her Thursday golf league.  They headed off to Penn National Golf Club in PA, so I seized the opportunity to head out for some surf fishing and relaxing at Assateague Island State Park in Berlin, Maryland.

I packed up the ALINER and took off Monday driving 2-1/2 hours, arriving at the Park right at check in time at 3:00 PM.  Site C7 was perfect being only one campsite away from the dunes, and steps away from the "dune path" to the beach, and able to enjoy hearing the surf "crash on the beach" all the time.  It took a TOTAL of 15 minutes to set up the camper and the brand new CLAM screen shelter, and I was in my "zero gravity chair" sipping a tropical drink by 4:00!

Relaxing in less than 15 minutes.  Just add water... and of course a rum drink!

The weather was MAGNIFICENT, 78 degrees, 10 mph breeze, and not a fly or mosquito to be found.   I was surprised that there were plenty of empty campsites and the beach was uncrowded.  One of the MANY advantages to retirement is being able to stay home on weekends, and travel on weekdays when the young folks are working!

Gorgeous Day with few people

Campground was empty with the exception of another A frame down the road.

After dinner I was so comfortable that I just hung out in the screen shelter and "chilled out" with some music, foo-foo drinks, and a great cigar and until bedtime.  When I finally did go  inside, I caught the evening news on TV and then slept like a log with the windows open, 68 degree temps, and a gentle breeze all night.

Peaceful night on the beach

Tuesday proved to be an even prettier day than Monday!  After a hearty breakfast of eggs and smoked hickory bacon, I mustered enough energy to make my way back to the beach and plopped in my chair with a good book.  I was actually too relaxed to go fishing and settled in until lunch time when I decided to grab a bite, take a short nap outside, and then hike the beach for a couple of hours.  Assateague is known for their wild ponies and they were out in force on the beach and in the campsites!  (I find it ironic that they tell you to "CLEAN UP" after your pet.  Apparently the horses don't pay attention to the signs!)

Camp Host picks up the horse dropping every morning!

After dinner I went back to the beach and enjoyed a tropical libation, cigar and music until sunset.

Well, I ended up doing very little fishing... but who cares!  It was a great two days at the beach, and I needed to head back home so I could get wound up again :-) !  (All this relaxation can't be good for your health!)

I missed Elliott, but she also had a great time golfing with her friends, and we plan on coming back again soon... if I can get her off the golf course.  In the meantime it's back to election coverage, yard work, and planning the next adventure to wind down again.

Until next time... Adios from Assateague Island!

AAAH.... What Election?

I AM BLESSED and LIFE IS GOOD!

Rocky Gap State Park Flintstone, Maryland June 4-7

MORE RAIN PREDICTED... Let's go anyway!

We decided that a little rain wouldn't stop us and took a chance on camping at Rock Gap State Park where we have never visited.  The Park sits on beautiful Lake Habeeb and has a Resort on the acreage (although not near the campgrounds).  They have several sandy beaches, kayak and canoe rentals, fishing, an 18 hole golf course and Hotel/Casino.

A short 5 minute drive from the campgrounds is the resort.

Hotel, Restaurants, Casino and of course GOLF. 

The "campers beach" was empty on a Monday.

We lucked out and had a wonderful campsite in the ASH Loop which had electric, privacy (which most sites offer) fire ring, and picnic table.  We were set up and relaxing in less than 5 minutes!

Easy as ....ONE

TWO

THREE....  Love my Aliner!

The weather proved AMAZING with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the mid to high 70's.  When it did rain it came at 2am which made sleeping both cozy and peaceful..  Gentle breezes and sunshine dried everything up quickly and allowed us to hike and explore miles of well groomed trails with spectacular vistas.

A view of the Gorge in the Appalachians

A pretty waterfall in the distance formed by.....

You guessed it..... The "ROCKY GAP"!!!

This was truly great few days.  Rocky Gap is a "gem" which offers a little something for everyone, from primitive camping to semi-boondocking, from solitude and nature to Casino's and Golf!

While we were fortunate that the Park was pretty empty, it is so well designed that I don't feel it would ever feel over crowded.  I look forward to going again and exploring more of this wonderful park.

Off soon to do some surf fishing at Assateague State Park!

Check back in soon, and leave us comments or questions and we will respond 

Myrtle Beach May 15-20

Leaving on Sunday for a leisurely drive to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, (with the intention of breaking the 8 hour drive into two easy pieces) we discovered a slow leak in the front tire valve in the F-150 which forced us to stop and get air every 50 miles!  We had it taken care of Monday morning after a good nights rest at a KOA which was pretty much empty.

An empty KOA

After getting the tire repaired we set out for Myrtle Beach State Park for a few days of sunshine, fishing, golf and some quiet relaxation..... or so we thought! 

After checking in at the campsite we discovered it was BIKE WEEK and there were an estimated 300,000 Harley Davidson's in town, many at the State Park.  To our pleasant surprise, they were polite, friendly and courteous campers... although those bikes make some noise when they first start.

A well behaved group.

We also encountered rain in the early evenings and overcast skies during the day.  Fortunately the temperatures were pleasant and we were able to set up in a nice secluded site and button up when necessary.

TV is nice when its raining 

Elliott getting ready to hit the links

Only had to eat inside once

Elliott joined some friends from home, John and Donna Mix, for golf at several Premier Courses and never got rained on, although the alligators seem anxious to want to make up a foursome!

Tee it up and get out of there....

Elliott with John and Donna Mix

I preferred walking the uncrowded beach and joining them for the 19th hole before going out for dinner!

Just a short walk to the beach

My favorite Golf hole #19. Cocktails with John and Donna before dinner

While Elliott and the golfers spent another day at the course, I ventured down to meet Joe Wiltshire for lunch in the beautiful town of Georgetown, a remarkable little town between Myrtle Beach and Charleston where where Joe lives.

One of the many charming homes in Georgetown

Seaside park in the middle of town

River Room Restaurant for shrimp and grits

So in spite of overcast skies, evening showers and lots of Harley traffic, we had an amazing trip.  We plan in going back through in the fall and spending time in Charleston, Savannah and other points south.

Planning the next trip already!!